Negotiation support device, negotiation support method, and program

Abstract

Generate information demonstrating that fair negotiations took place. [Solution] The negotiation support device 1X mainly comprises a question generation means 35Xa, an answer acquisition means 35Xb, and a negotiation process information generation means 36X. The question generation means 35Xa generates questions regarding increases or decreases in transaction amounts during the negotiation process concerning a transaction between a first negotiating party and a second negotiating party. The answer acquisition means 35Xb acquires answers to the questions. The negotiation process information generation means 36X generates negotiation process information concerning the negotiation process based on the answers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical fields of negotiation support devices, negotiation support methods, and programs.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a system that automatically conducts negotiations regarding condition adjustments between an orderer side and an order-receiver side. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic negotiation system that stores in advance negotiation candidates corresponding to orders expected from the orderer side, and preferentially transmits to the orderer side from the negotiation candidates having a large utility value with respect to the negotiation conditions received from the orderer side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Leaving a record of a fair negotiation is necessary to enhance the linkage with a contract after the negotiation, and for example, it is desirable to leave information that serves as evidence of compliance with laws and regulations such as the Act on Prevention of Delayed Payment of Subcontractors' Fees.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a negotiation support device, a negotiation method, and a program that can suitably generate information indicating that a fair negotiation has been conducted in view of the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the negotiation support device is question generation means for generating a question regarding an increase or decrease in the amount of the transaction in the process of negotiation regarding a transaction between a first negotiation entity and a second negotiation entity, answer acquisition means for acquiring an answer to the question A negotiation process information generation means that generates negotiation process information relating to the negotiation process based on the above response, It is a negotiation support device that has the following features.

[0007] One form of negotiation support is: Computers In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, questions are generated regarding increases or decreases in the amount of the transaction. Obtain the answers to the above questions, Based on the above response, negotiation process information regarding the negotiation process is generated. This is a method of supporting negotiations.

[0008] One aspect of the program is: In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, questions are generated regarding increases or decreases in the amount of the transaction. Obtain the answers to the above questions, This program causes a computer to perform a process to generate negotiation process information related to the negotiation process, based on the aforementioned response. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] One example of the effects of this disclosure is that it becomes possible to suitably generate information indicating that fair negotiations were conducted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the negotiation system. [Figure 2] This shows the hardware configuration of the platform provider device. [Figure 3] This shows the hardware configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 4] This is an example of a functional block in a negotiation platform. [Figure 5] This is an example of a user settings screen where attribute information of the person in charge of negotiations is entered. [Figure 6]This is the first display example of the negotiation chat screen. [Figure 7] This is the second display example of the negotiation chat screen. [Figure 8] This is the third display example of the negotiation chat screen. [Figure 9] This is an example of a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the platform providing device. [Figure 10] This is the fourth display example of the negotiation chat screen. [Figure 11] This shows the configuration of the negotiation system. [Figure 12] This is a functional block diagram of the negotiation support device. [Figure 13] This is an example of a flowchart executed by the negotiation support device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the negotiation support device, negotiation support method, and program will be described while referring to the drawings.

[0012] In the following description, "negotiation" refers to the adjustment of conditions until an agreement is reached between the two parties who place and receive orders (i.e., the exchange of orders). In the present embodiment, until an agreement is formed, it mainly refers to the act of the two parties who place and receive orders alternately providing candidate proposals for agreement on the conditions of the order (also referred to as "offers") to each other. The negotiation in this case may be a negotiation between parties with conflicting interests or a negotiation (so-called adjustment) between parties without conflicting interests. In addition, the negotiation includes not only the negotiation regarding general orders for which order documents are issued, but also those that adjust the planned delivery quantity, etc. without issuing order documents. Examples of the conditions (so-called issues) for which negotiation is conducted include the price of goods, delivery date, quantity, means of transportation, resources used (in the case where the means of transportation is a drone, the airspace), function, quality, etc. Further, the "negotiation entity" is an entity that places and receives orders. For example, it refers to an entity that has the ability to generate candidate proposals for agreement provided to other negotiation entities and the ability to determine whether to agree to the offers obtained from other negotiation entities. The negotiation entity may be an individual or an organization. The negotiation entity may conduct negotiation using an AI, a robot, or other devices (including drones and autonomous vehicles) that reflect the will of these individuals or organizations.

[0013] <First Embodiment> (1) System Configuration FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a negotiation system 100. The negotiation system 100 mainly includes a platform providing device 1 that provides an electronic negotiation platform for negotiating conditions, and terminal devices 2A and 2B used by negotiation entities that conduct negotiation on the negotiation platform provided by the platform providing device 1. The platform providing device 1, the terminal device 2A, and the terminal device 2B perform data communication via a network 3. In FIG. 1, as an example, a terminal device 2A used by a negotiation entity A who is a purchaser purchasing parts and a terminal device 2B used by a negotiation entity B who is a supplier supplying parts are illustrated. Hereinafter, when the terminal device 2A and the terminal device 2B are not particularly distinguished, they are also simply referred to as "terminal device 2".

[0014] In this embodiment, negotiating party A and negotiating party B correspond to a principal contractor (i.e., the ordering party of a transaction regulated under the Subcontracting Act) and a subcontractor, respectively, under the Act on Prevention of Delay in Payment of Subcontracting Fees, etc. (also called the "Subcontracting Act"). The negotiation system 100 provides a negotiation platform that promotes fair negotiations in compliance with the Subcontracting Act and can keep records indicating that negotiations for fair transactions have taken place.

[0015] In the following, we will explain using a one-on-one negotiation between negotiating entity A and negotiating entity B as an example. Note that multiple one-on-one negotiations described below can be combined to develop into competitive bidding negotiations, total volume negotiations, and nested negotiations.

[0016] Platform provider 1 provides a negotiation platform necessary for negotiating parties A and B to negotiate terms via terminal devices 2A and 2B. For example, platform provider 1 generates display information necessary for displaying information required for negotiation and controls the display on terminal devices 2A and 2B by transmitting the generated display information to terminal devices 2A and 2B. In this case, platform provider 1 receives input information regarding offers from terminal devices 2A and 2B and generates the aforementioned display information based on the received input information. Platform provider 1 is an example of a "negotiation support device".

[0017] Terminal devices 2 (2A, 2B) are communication devices available to the negotiating parties, and based on data communication with the platform provider device 1, they display information and accept input from the negotiating party using them. In this embodiment, as an example, negotiating party A will, in principle, conduct automated negotiations using negotiation AI (details of which will be described later), while negotiating party B will conduct negotiations based on human input via terminal device 2B without using negotiation AI (hereinafter also referred to as "manual negotiations"). If it is determined that an agreement cannot be reached through automated negotiations using negotiation AI, or in other cases where manual negotiations are deemed necessary, negotiating party A can switch to manual negotiations based on input via terminal device 2A.

[0018] The configuration of the negotiation system 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example, and various modifications may be made to this configuration. For example, the platform provider 1 may be composed of multiple devices. In this case, the multiple devices constituting the platform provider 1 exchange information among themselves that is necessary to execute pre-assigned processes.

[0019] Furthermore, examples of obligations stipulated for parent companies under the Subcontracting Act include the obligation to provide written documents, the obligation to create and preserve documents, the obligation to set a payment due date for subcontracting fees, and the obligation to pay late payment interest. Regarding the obligation to create and preserve documents, upon completion of the transaction, a document recording the details of the transaction (including the history of rework of delivered goods, the date of receipt, the payment date, etc.) must be created and preserved for two years as a document summarizing the results and history of the transaction. In addition, examples of prohibited actions stipulated for parent companies under the Subcontracting Act include the following items (1) to (11). (1) Refusal to accept: Refusal to accept ordered goods, etc. (when the subcontractor is not at fault) (2) Delay in payment of subcontracting fees: Failure to pay by the originally agreed payment date. (3) Reduction of subcontracting fees: Reducing the price agreed upon at the time of ordering after the order has been placed (when the subcontractor is not at fault) (4) Price gouging: Setting a price that is significantly lower than the price that is normally paid when determining the price. (5) Returns: Returning ordered goods after receiving them and failing to pay for them (when the subcontractor is not at fault) (6) Unfair changes or rework of payment details: Changing the order details or requiring rework after receipt (when the subcontractor is not at fault) (7) Unfair demand for the provision of economic benefits: Forcing subcontractors to provide money or labor, thereby unfairly harming the interests of subcontractors. (8) Forcing purchase or use (9) Taking retaliatory measures (10) Forcing the early settlement of payment for raw materials and other items supplied at a cost. (11) Issuing bills that are difficult to discount

[0020] (2) Hardware configuration Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of platform provider 1. Platform provider 1 includes a processor 11, memory 12, and interface 13 as hardware. The processor 11, memory 12, and interface 13 are connected via a data bus 19.

[0021] The processor 11 executes predetermined processes by running programs stored in memory 12. The processor 11 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). The processor 11 may be composed of multiple processors. The processor 11 is an example of a computer.

[0022] Memory 12 is composed of various volatile and non-volatile memories, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). Memory 12 also stores programs for the platform provider 1 to execute various processes. Furthermore, Memory 12 is used as working memory.

[0023] Furthermore, the memory 12 functionally includes a negotiation information storage unit 121 and a model information storage unit 122.

[0024] The negotiation information storage unit 121 stores information regarding the negotiation of a transaction between negotiating entity A and negotiating entity B. The information stored by the negotiation information storage unit 121 includes information regarding the draft agreement between negotiating entity A and negotiating entity B prior to the negotiation. The goods that are the subject of the transaction (i.e., the goods that are subject to orders and purchase orders) may be assigned order numbers depending on the type of goods.

[0025] Furthermore, the negotiation information storage unit 121 stores information regarding the process of negotiations (also called "negotiation process information") when negotiations are conducted between negotiating parties using the negotiation system 100. Negotiation process information is generated by the platform provider device 1 at any time, such as during or after negotiations, and stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121. Negotiation process information includes details of offers generated during the negotiation process (including product name, quantity, unit price, delivery date, etc.), the proposed agreement decided through negotiation, a history of price and condition changes including the reasons for the changes and the agreement process, party information such as the person in charge at negotiating party B, which is a supplier, and payment terms (payment due date). Specific examples of negotiation process information will be described later.

[0026] The model information storage unit 122 stores model information (including parameters) for constructing a negotiation AI, which is an artificial intelligence model that negotiates with another negotiating party on behalf of one negotiating party. The negotiation AI is used by negotiating party A, which is a person or an organization, to negotiate with another negotiating party (in this case, negotiating party B).

[0027] The negotiation AI has an acceptance strategy function that determines whether an offer supplied by another negotiating party can be agreed to (so-called acceptance determination), and an offer generation function that generates offers. Offer generation also includes generating alternative offers (also called "counter-offers") if the AI ​​determines that an offer supplied by another negotiating party cannot be agreed to. Offer generation may utilize any method, such as beam search, grid search, probabilistic optimization based on genetic algorithms, Bayesian optimization, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the negotiation AI may calculate utility using a utility function that determines the degree of desirability of receiving or placing an order, and based on utility, determine whether to accept an offer from the other negotiating party and which offers to notify the other negotiating party. For example, the negotiation AI may employ an acceptance strategy that accepts offers with utility above a predetermined threshold and rejects offers with utility below that threshold. The negotiation AI may also determine which offers to notify other negotiating parties in order of highest utility. A method for determining an offer based on a utility function is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0028] Interface 13 is an interface for electrically connecting the platform provider device 1 with other devices. These interfaces may be wireless interfaces such as network adapters for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data with other devices, or they may be hardware interfaces for connecting with other devices via cables, etc.

[0029] The hardware configuration of the platform provider 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, the platform provider 1 may include at least one of an input device, a display device, and a sound output device. Also, at least a portion of the information stored in memory 12 may be stored in one or more storage devices other than the platform provider 1. In this case, the storage device may be a hard disk connected to the platform provider 1, a storage medium such as flash memory, or a server device that communicates data with the platform provider 1.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of terminal device 2, i.e., the hardware configuration common to terminal device 2A and terminal device 2B. Terminal device 2 includes a processor 21, memory 22, and interface 23 as hardware. The processor 21, memory 22, and interface 23 are connected via a data bus 29.

[0031] The processor 21 executes predetermined processes by running programs stored in memory 22. The processor 21 is a processor such as a CPU, GPU, or TPU. The processor 21 may be composed of multiple processors. The processor 21 is an example of a computer.

[0032] Memory 22 is composed of various volatile and non-volatile memories, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). Memory 22 also stores programs for the platform provider 1 to execute various processes. Furthermore, Memory 22 is used as working memory.

[0033] Interface 23 is an interface for electrically connecting terminal device 2 with other devices. These interfaces may be wireless interfaces such as network adapters for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data with other devices, or they may be hardware interfaces for connecting with other devices via cables, etc.

[0034] Interface 23 also performs interface operations for the input unit 25 and the output unit 26. The input unit 25 is a user interface that accepts external inputs, such as a touch panel, buttons, a keyboard, or an audio input device. Interface 23 supplies the input signals generated by the input unit 25 to other components within the terminal device 2 or to devices located outside the platform providing device 1. The output unit 26 displays predetermined information or outputs audio based on the output signals supplied via Interface 23. Examples of the output unit 26 include displays, projectors, and audio output devices.

[0035] Note that the hardware configuration of terminal device 2 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3. For example, at least one of the input unit 25 and the output unit 26 may be configured separately from terminal device 2.

[0036] (3) Overview of the Negotiation Platform Next, we will explain the overview of the negotiation platform realized by the platform provider device 1. In general terms, the platform provider device 1 generates questions regarding whether or not there will be an increase or decrease in the transaction amount and the reasons for such an increase or decrease during the negotiation process between negotiating party A and negotiating party B, and stores the answers to these questions in the negotiation process information. In this way, the platform provider device 1 promotes fair transactions in compliance with the Subcontracting Act and generates negotiation process information that indicates that negotiations were conducted in compliance with the Subcontracting Act, thereby enhancing the linkage between negotiations in this system and the contract after negotiations.

[0037] Figure 4 shows an example of a functional block in a negotiation platform implemented by the processor 11 of the platform provider device 1. The negotiation platform has, as functions for negotiating party A, an offer generation / update unit 30A, an offer transmission unit 31A, an offer acceptance determination unit 33A, and a negotiation process display unit 34A. The negotiation platform also has, as functions for negotiating party B, an offer generation / update unit 30B, an offer transmission unit 31B, an offer acceptance determination unit 33B, and a negotiation process display unit 34B. Furthermore, the negotiation platform has, as functions common to both negotiating party A and negotiating party B, a questioning unit 35 and a negotiation process information generation unit 36. In Figure 4, blocks where data is exchanged are connected by solid lines, but the combination of blocks where data is exchanged is not limited to this. The same applies to the diagrams of other functional blocks described later.

[0038] First, let's explain the functions of negotiating party A.

[0039] The offer generation / update unit 30A generates and updates offers using the negotiation AI. "Offer update" refers to the generation of a counter-offer when the offer supplied by negotiating entity B cannot be accepted. In this case, for example, the processor 11 configures the negotiation AI by referring to the model information stored in the model information storage unit 122 and executes processing related to the offer generation / update unit 30A. The negotiation AI generates an offer based on negotiation information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121. The negotiation AI also updates the received offer when it receives the offer that was just received by the offer receiving unit 32A (described later) and a determination result indicating that the offer cannot be accepted from the offer acceptance determination unit 33A (described later). The offer generation / update unit 30A then supplies the generated or updated offer to the offer transmission unit 31A.

[0040] The offer transmission unit 31A supplies the offer receiving unit 32B with information indicating the offer generated or updated by the offer generation / update unit 30A. In this case, for example, the processor 11 functions as the offer transmission unit 31A, generates display information for displaying the offer generated or updated by the offer generation / update unit 30A on the terminal device 2B, and transmits the generated display information to the terminal device 2B via the interface 13. This display information includes all the information to be displayed on the terminal device 2B, such as the details of the offer and the reason for the price change. The offer transmission unit 31A also transmits the display information of the offer generated or updated by the offer generation / update unit 30A to the negotiation process information generation unit 36.

[0041] The offer receiving unit 32A receives information indicating an offer supplied from the offer transmitting unit 31B, which will be described later. In this case, for example, the processor 11 functions as the offer receiving unit 32A and receives information indicating an offer supplied from the offer transmitting unit 31B, which will be described later.

[0042] The offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines whether to accept (i.e., agree to) the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A. In this case, for example, the processor 11 constructs a negotiation AI by referring to the model information stored in the model information storage unit 122 and executes processing related to the offer acceptance determination unit 33A. If the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines that an agreement has been reached regarding the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A, it supplies information indicating that an agreement has been reached regarding the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A to the negotiation process information generation unit 36. Subsequently, the negotiation process display unit 34A displays information indicating the negotiation process (including the proposed agreement) on the terminal device 2A based on the negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121.

[0043] Furthermore, when the offer acceptance determination unit 33A receives question information from the question unit 35 that instructs it to ask questions to the user, it asks questions based on the question information and supplies answer information indicating the answers to those questions to the question unit 35. Examples of questions in this case include questions regarding final confirmation of whether or not the transaction amount has increased or decreased, and questions regarding the reasons for any increase or decrease in the transaction amount. Examples of question displays will be described later.

[0044] Furthermore, if the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines that the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A cannot be agreed upon and that it is necessary to switch to manual negotiation, it switches to manual negotiation. For example, if the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines that it is necessary to switch to manual negotiation if there is no change between the offer previously received by the offer receiving unit 32A and the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A the time before that (i.e., negotiations have not progressed), it determines that it is necessary to switch to manual negotiation. In another example, if the offer acceptance determination unit 33A receives a request from negotiating party B to suspend negotiations, it determines that it is necessary to switch to manual negotiation. When the system switches to manual negotiation, for example, the negotiation process display unit 34A refers to the negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121, displays information indicating the current negotiation process, and accepts input of negotiation conditions from the user.

[0045] Furthermore, if the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines that the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A involves an increase or decrease in the transaction amount, it may switch to manual negotiation. In this case, for example, the offer acceptance determination unit 33A switches to manual negotiation if it determines that the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A involves a change in predetermined conditions (so-called issues). The predetermined conditions are those that, when changed, generally result in an increase or decrease in the transaction amount, and examples of predetermined conditions include the price of the goods, the number of goods to be delivered, and the means of transportation. Hereafter, the above predetermined conditions will also be referred to as "conditions that involve an increase or decrease in the amount," and conditions other than the above predetermined conditions (i.e., conditions that, even when changed, generally do not result in an increase or decrease in the transaction amount) will also be referred to as "conditions that do not involve an increase or decrease in the amount."

[0046] On the other hand, if the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines that the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A cannot be agreed to and that there is no need to switch to manual negotiation, it supplies information indicating the received offer and a determination result indicating that the offer cannot be accepted to the offer generation / update unit 30A. In addition, the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines that there is no need to switch to manual negotiation if there is a change between the offer previously received by the offer receiving unit 32A and the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32A two weeks prior. In another example, the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines that there is no need to switch to manual negotiation if there is no request from negotiating party B to suspend negotiations.

[0047] The negotiation process display unit 34A refers to negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121 and displays information indicating the negotiation process on the terminal device 2A. In this case, for example, the processor 11 functions as the negotiation process display unit 34A, generates display information based on the negotiation process information, and supplies the generated display information to the terminal device 2A. For example, the negotiation process display unit 34A may display the negotiation process (which may include the final agreement) based on the negotiation process information on the terminal device 2A when an offer is agreed upon or when the offer acceptance determination unit 33B determines that negotiations have been suspended. In this case, the negotiation process display unit 34A may display an image of the negotiation chat screen on the terminal device 2A, which shows the history of each negotiating party's communication during the negotiations in a dialogue format. Details of the negotiation chat screen will be described later.

[0048] Next, I will explain the functions of negotiating party B.

[0049] The offer receiving unit 32B receives information indicating an offer supplied from the offer transmitting unit 31A. In this case, for example, the terminal device 2B functions as the offer receiving unit 32B based on the control of the processor 11 and receives information indicating an offer supplied from the offer transmitting unit 31A via the interface 23.

[0050] The offer acceptance determination unit 33B determines whether to accept (i.e., agree to) the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32B, based on the information input by the negotiating party B. In this case, the processor 11 functions as the offer acceptance determination unit 33B by controlling the terminal device 2B.

[0051] In the offer acceptance determination, terminal device 2B, under the control of processor 11, displays the offer from negotiating party A based on the information received by offer receiving unit 32B, and accepts user input (i.e., external input) specifying whether or not to agree to the offer and whether or not to suspend negotiations. Then, terminal device 2B transmits the received input information to platform provider device 1, and processor 11 makes a determination on whether or not to accept (i.e., agree to) the offer based on the input information received from terminal device 2B.

[0052] If the offer acceptance determination unit 33B determines that an agreement has been reached on the offer, it supplies information indicating that an agreement has been reached on the offer received by the offer receiving unit 32B to the negotiation process information generation unit 36. Subsequently, the negotiation process display unit 34B displays information indicating the negotiation process (including the proposed agreement) on the terminal device 2B based on the negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121.

[0053] Furthermore, when the offer acceptance determination unit 33B receives question information from the question unit 35, it asks questions based on the question information and supplies answer information indicating the answers to those questions to the question unit 35. Examples of questions in this case include questions regarding final confirmation of whether or not the transaction amount has increased or decreased, and questions regarding the reasons for any increase or decrease in the transaction amount. Examples of question displays will be described later.

[0054] Furthermore, if the offer acceptance determination unit 33B determines that there is no agreement on the offer as a whole and that there is an input specifying the suspension of negotiations, it determines that negotiations should be suspended. In this case, for example, the negotiation process display unit 34B refers to the negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121 and displays information indicating the current negotiation process. Also, if there is no agreement on the offer and no input specifying the suspension of negotiations, the offer acceptance determination unit 33B supplies information indicating the offer and a determination result indicating that the offer cannot be accepted to the offer generation / update unit 30B.

[0055] The offer generation and update unit 30B generates and updates offers. In this case, the processor 11 functions as the offer generation and update unit 30B by controlling the terminal device 2B. For example, if the offer generation and update unit 30B receives a determination result from the offer acceptance determination unit 33B indicating that the offer cannot be accepted, it generates a counter-offer based on the information input by the negotiating party B. In this case, the terminal device 2B receives input specifying the counter-offer and transmits the received input information to the platform provider device 1. The offer generation and update unit 30B may also generate a new offer based on the received input information at any time.

[0056] The offer transmission unit 31B supplies the offer receiving unit 32A with information indicating the offer generated or updated by the offer generation / update unit 30B. The offer transmission unit 31B also transmits the offer information indicating the offer generated or updated by the offer generation / update unit 30B to the negotiation process information generation unit 36. For example, the processor 11 functions as the offer transmission unit 31B.

[0057] The negotiation process display unit 34B refers to negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121 and displays information indicating the negotiation process on the terminal device 2B. In this case, for example, the processor 11 functions as the negotiation process display unit 34B, generates display information based on the negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121, and supplies the generated display information to the terminal device 2B. For example, the negotiation process display unit 34B may display the negotiation process (which may include the final agreement) based on the negotiation process information on the terminal device 2B when the offer is agreed upon or when the offer acceptance determination unit 33B determines that negotiations have been suspended.

[0058] Next, we will explain the functions common to both Negotiating Party A and Negotiating Party B.

[0059] When the offer acceptance determination unit 33B detects user input indicating that negotiating entity B intends to accept the offer, the question unit 35 generates question information instructing the system to ask questions for final confirmation of whether there has been an increase or decrease in the transaction amount by comparing the pre-negotiation agreement with the accepted offer. The question unit 35 then supplies the generated question information to the offer acceptance determination unit 33B and receives answer information from the offer acceptance determination unit 33B indicating the answer generated by the offer acceptance determination unit 33B based on the user input. In this case, if an answer is obtained indicating that there has been no increase or decrease in the transaction amount, negotiating entity B is deemed to have accepted the offer as a formal agreement. The answer information indicating that there has been no increase or decrease in the transaction amount corresponds to a record (evidence) that negotiating entity B has accepted the offer. The question unit 35 then supplies the question information and answer information to the negotiation process information generation unit 36.

[0060] Furthermore, the question unit 35 may generate question information only if negotiations have taken place regarding terms that do not involve an increase or decrease in monetary value. In this case, the question unit 35 determines whether the negotiated terms (so-called issue) include any terms that involve an increase or decrease in monetary value, such as the price of the goods, and generates question information only if it determines that the negotiated terms do not include any terms that involve an increase or decrease in monetary value.

[0061] Furthermore, if the offer acceptance determination unit 33A determines to accept the offer, the question unit 35 may generate question information instructing a final confirmation question to compare the pre-negotiation agreement with the accepted offer to determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in the transaction amount. In this case, for example, the offer acceptance determination unit 33A calculates the difference between the transaction amount of the pre-negotiation agreement and the transaction amount of the accepted offer, and determines whether there has been an increase or decrease in the transaction amount based on the presence or absence of the calculated difference. The offer acceptance determination unit 33A then generates answer information based on the determination result of whether there has been an increase or decrease in the transaction amount, and supplies the generated answer information to the question unit 35. If an answer is obtained indicating that there has been no increase or decrease in the transaction amount, it is deemed that negotiating party A has accepted the offer as a formal agreement. The answer information indicating that there has been no increase or decrease in the transaction amount corresponds to a record (evidence) that negotiating party A has accepted the offer.

[0062] Furthermore, when the offer generation / update unit 30A generates an offer that includes a reduction in price, the question unit 35 generates question information instructing the question unit 35 to ask about the reason for the reduction and supplies the question information to the offer generation / update unit 30A. Based on the question information, the offer generation / update unit 30A determines the reason for the reduction and supplies answer information indicating the determined reason to the question unit 35. The question unit 35 supplies the question information and answer information to the negotiation process information generation unit 36. In addition, if negotiating entity A is subject to the regulations of the Subcontracting Act in relation to negotiating entity B, the question unit 35 generates question information requesting that the reason for the reduction be selected from a list of candidates for reasons attributable to negotiating entity B, which is a subcontractor. For example, the question unit 35 generates question information that includes a predetermined number of options that can be candidates for reasons for the reduction. Examples of reasons attributable to the subcontractor include quality problems, delays in delivery, insufficient quantity, inappropriate delivery, breach of contract, technical problems, violations of laws and regulations, and inadequate information provision.

[0063] Furthermore, when the offer generation / update unit 30B generates an offer that includes an increase in the amount, the question unit 35 may generate question information instructing the system to ask a question about the reason for the increase, and supply the question information to the offer generation / update unit 30B. When the offer generation / update unit 30B receives the question information, it displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the terminal device 2B that accepts user input specifying the reason for the increase, and supplies the question unit 35 with answer information indicating the reason for the increase specified by the user input.

[0064] Furthermore, the questioning unit 35 may determine whether negotiating entities A and B are subject to the regulations of the Subcontracting Act, and only if they are subject to the regulations of the Subcontracting Act, it may generate the above-mentioned question information and obtain the answer information. In this case, for example, the questioning unit 35 may determine whether the capital of negotiating entities A and B meets the capital requirements for parent companies and subcontractors under the Subcontracting Act, and whether they meet other requirements for parent companies and subcontractors under the Subcontracting Act, and if it determines that these requirements are met, it will generate the above-mentioned question information. Furthermore, the questioning unit 35 may input a prompt to a large-scale language model such as ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) asking whether negotiating entities A and B are subject to the regulations of the Subcontracting Act, and determine whether negotiating entities A and B are subject to the regulations of the Subcontracting Act based on the answer output by the large-scale language model.

[0065] The negotiation process information generation unit 36 ​​generates negotiation process information at any time, such as during negotiations between negotiating party A and negotiating party B or after the conclusion of negotiations. For example, the negotiation process information generation unit 36 ​​stores information received from the offer sending unit 31A and the offer sending unit 31B as negotiation process information in the negotiation information storage unit 121. The information received from the offer sending unit 31A and the offer sending unit 31B is, for example, information showing the history of conversational messages displayed on the negotiation chat screen described later, and corresponds to a record indicating that negotiations were conducted. The above information may also be a screenshot of the negotiation chat screen taken during negotiations. In this case, the negotiation chat screen displays attribute information (name, contact information, affiliation) of the person conducting the negotiation, and the attribute information of the person who initiated the conversation is included in the negotiation process information. The attribute information may be stored in the local storage area (including browser cookies) of the terminal device 2 used by the user so that it is not necessary to ask the user each time negotiations take place. The negotiation process information generation unit 36 ​​may also store information regarding payment conditions, such as payment due dates, in the negotiation information storage unit 121. The payment due date will be automatically calculated based on a predetermined method using the number of calendar days from the delivery date.

[0066] Furthermore, the negotiation process information generation unit 36 ​​includes the question information and answer information supplied from the question unit 35 into the negotiation process information stored in the negotiation information storage unit 121. In this case, attribute information such as the name, contact information, and affiliation of the person who provided the answer is stored in association with the answer information. The question information and answer information supplied from the question unit 35 serve as evidence that a final confirmation regarding whether or not there will be an increase or decrease in the amount of the offer has been made, if the question concerns whether or not there will be an increase or decrease in the amount. Also, if the question information and answer information supplied from the question unit 35 concerns the reason for the increase or decrease in the amount, it serves as evidence that the increase or decrease in the amount is based on compliance with the Subcontracting Act.

[0067] The offer generation / update unit 30A, offer transmission unit 31A, offer acceptance determination unit 33A, negotiation process display unit 34A, offer generation / update unit 30B, offer transmission unit 31B, offer acceptance determination unit 33B, negotiation process display unit 34B, question unit 35, and negotiation process information generation unit 36, as described in Figure 4, can be implemented, for example, by the processor 11 executing a program. Alternatively, the necessary programs may be recorded on any non-volatile storage medium and installed as needed to implement each component. At least some of these components are not limited to being implemented by software programs, but may also be implemented by a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Furthermore, at least some of these components may be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program composed of the above components may be implemented using this integrated circuit. Furthermore, at least a portion of each component may be composed of an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Produce), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip). Thus, each component may be implemented using various hardware. The same applies to other embodiments described later. Moreover, each of these components may be implemented through the collaboration of multiple computers, for example, using cloud computing technology.

[0068] (4) Display example Next, we will specifically explain the processing of the negotiation platform described above using an example.

[0069] Figure 5 shows an example of a user settings screen for inputting attribute information of the person in charge of negotiations. The platform provider 1 displays the user settings screen on the terminal device 2B. This user settings screen accepts the specification of a username to be used on the negotiation platform by the person in charge of negotiations for negotiating entity B. The user settings screen displays the currently set username "Taro XX", and includes an input field 40A for entering the username to be updated, and a save button 40B for registering the username entered in input field 40A as the name of the person in charge of negotiations on the negotiation platform. The current username "Taro XX" and the username entered in input field 40A that is registered by selecting the save button 40B are stored, for example, in the local memory area of ​​the terminal device 2B used by the person in charge (corresponding to memory 22 in Figure 3). In addition to the person in charge's name, the platform provider 1 may also accept input of optional attribute information of the person in charge, such as their affiliation, on the user settings screen.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a first example of a negotiation chat screen displaying the history of messages sent in a dialogue format during negotiations between negotiating party A and negotiating party B, as shown on terminal device 2B used by a representative of negotiating party B. In this example, negotiating party B (referred to as "Company B") proposes the initial offer, and negotiating party A's (referred to as "Company A") negotiation AI sends a response indicating that it cannot accept the offer and will present an alternative counter-offer. Platform provider device 1 displays this negotiation chat screen on terminal device 2B. In this case, platform provider device 1 generates display information based on the offer generated by negotiating party B and the text information entered by each negotiating party, and sends the display information to terminal device 2B, thereby displaying the negotiation chat screen based on the display information on terminal device 2B.

[0071] Platform provider 1 displays the first message 41, the first offer table 42, and the second message 43 on the negotiation chat screen. The first message 41 is a message indicating that an offer is being made regarding changes to the delivery date and quantity of order number P000125, and the details of the offer are shown in the first offer table 42. Here, platform provider 1 displays the first message 41 issued by negotiating entity B, which is conducting manual negotiations, in association with the name of the person in charge of negotiations, "Taro XX," which is an example of attribute information of the person in charge of negotiations for negotiating entity B. In this case, for example, platform provider 1 obtains the attribute information of the person in charge set in the user settings screen by referring to the local storage area (i.e., memory 22) such as cookies in the browser of terminal device 2B.

[0072] In this way, the platform provider 1 associates and displays attribute information of the person in charge, such as the person in charge's name, for each message sent, and generates negotiation process information from the content of the negotiation chat screen where such attribute information of the person in charge is displayed. As a result, the platform provider 1 can generate evidence that fair negotiations were conducted with the subcontractor. Furthermore, the platform provider 1 does not rewrite the attribute information of the person in charge, such as the person in charge's name, that is attached to the message, even if the person in charge changes after the negotiation, so that it remains the attribute information of the person in charge at the time of the negotiation.

[0073] Figure 7 shows a second example of the negotiation chat screen. Here, the negotiation chat screen is shown after the negotiation chat screen in Figure 6, where the negotiation AI of negotiating party A has presented a counter-offer. The platform provider 1 displays a second message 43, a third message 44, a second offer table 45, an agreement button 46, and a negotiation continuation button 47 on the negotiation chat screen in the second example. The third message 44 is a message sent by the negotiation AI used by negotiating party A, indicating that a counter-offer regarding the delivery date and quantity of order number P000125 is being presented. The platform provider 1 then displays the details of the aforementioned counter-offer as the second offer table 45. Furthermore, the platform provider 1 displays an agreement button 46 to indicate the intention to accept the counter-offer shown in the second offer table 45. Furthermore, the platform provider 1 displays a negotiation continuation button 47 to indicate the intention to input negotiation conditions for generating a new counter-offer without accepting the counter-offer shown in the second offer table 45. Furthermore, in consideration of the Subcontracting Act, the platform provider device 1 should clearly indicate the transaction amount used by the negotiation AI in calculating utility, etc., when displaying offers generated by the negotiation AI.

[0074] Figure 8 shows a third example of the negotiation chat screen display. After the negotiation chat screen in the second example is displayed, the platform provider device 1 detects that the agree button 46 has been selected, determines that negotiating party B has expressed its intention to agree to the offer, and displays an agreement confirmation window 50 as a pop-up for final confirmation of the agreement.

[0075] The platform provider device 1 has an agreement confirmation window 50 which includes an agreement proposal table 51 showing the counter-offers to be accepted, a checkbox 52 for confirming whether the transaction amount will increase or decrease, an affirmative button 53, and a negative button 54.

[0076] Here, the platform provider device 1 determines that the offer to which the user has indicated their willingness to agree is an offer concerning conditions that do not involve an increase or decrease in the amount, and provides a checkbox 52.

[0077] The representative of negotiating entity B confirms whether the offer from negotiating entity A, which B has indicated its intention to agree by selecting the agree button 46, does not involve an increase or decrease in the total transaction amount. If the representative of negotiating entity B is aware that the offer does not involve an increase or decrease in the total transaction amount, they select the affirm button 53 without checking the checkbox 52. When the platform provider device 1 detects that the affirm button 53 has been selected, it determines that negotiating entity B has accepted the offer shown in the agreement draft table 51 and confirms that offer as the latest agreement draft. The platform provider device 1 then stores the question information and answer information regarding the offer that B has indicated its intention to agree to in the negotiation information storage unit 121, along with the negotiation process information. In this case, the question information corresponds to information indicating that the representative was asked whether there would be any increase or decrease in the transaction amount regarding the offer that B had indicated its intention to agree to, and the answer information corresponds to information indicating that the representative of negotiating entity B has acknowledged that there would be no increase or decrease in the transaction amount. In this case, the platform provider 1 should store the response information in association with attribute information of the person in charge of negotiating entity B, such as the name of the respondent (e.g., Taro XX). This allows the platform provider 1 to store information that serves as evidence that the agreement was reached through a fair negotiation process in compliance with the Subcontracting Act.

[0078] On the other hand, if the representative of negotiating entity B wishes to increase the amount due to increased transportation costs resulting from installment payments or differences in transportation methods, they check checkbox 52 and select the negation button 54. When the platform provider 1 detects the selection of the negation button 54, it determines that final acceptance of the offer in question has not been obtained from the representative of negotiating entity B, and does not consider the offer in question to be the final and latest agreement. In this case, the platform provider 1 displays a GUI or the like for the representative to specify their desired conditions regarding the increase or decrease of the transaction amount. This makes it easier for the platform provider 1 to offer an increase in the amount due to increased costs to negotiating entity B, which is a subcontractor, and provides a negotiation platform that does not result in a substantial reduction of the subcontract price that would violate the Subcontracting Act. The platform provider 1 also stores the question information and answer information in the negotiation information storage unit 121, along with the negotiation process information. In this case, the question information corresponds to information indicating that a question regarding an increase or decrease in the transaction amount was asked of the person in charge, and the answer information corresponds to information indicating that the person in charge of negotiating party B did not agree that there would be no increase or decrease in the transaction amount.

[0079] Furthermore, if the second negotiating entity indicates its intention to agree to an offer from the first negotiating entity, where the reason for the reduction is attributable to the second negotiating entity (a subcontractor), by selecting the agreement button 46 or the like, the platform provider device 1 may also perform a final confirmation with the second negotiating entity regarding the reduction in the amount and record whether or not the second negotiating entity has accepted it. In this case, when the second negotiating entity indicates its intention to agree to the offer from the first negotiating entity by selecting the agreement button 46 or the like, the platform provider device 1 displays an agreement confirmation window showing the reason for the reduction in the amount specified by the first negotiating entity, along with buttons indicating whether or not to accept the reduction in the amount. When the platform provider device 1 detects that the button to accept the reduction in the amount has been selected, it stores the question information corresponding to the content displayed in the agreement confirmation window and the answer information indicating that the second negotiating entity has accepted the reduction in the amount, along with the negotiation process information, in the negotiation information storage unit 121. In this case, the question information corresponds to information indicating that a question was asked to the person in charge regarding the occurrence of a reduction in the transaction amount, and the answer information corresponds to information indicating that the person in charge of negotiating entity B has given their consent to the occurrence of a reduction in the transaction amount, including the reason for it. Furthermore, the platform provider device 1 may store attribute information of the person in charge of negotiating entity B, such as the name of the responding person (e.g., Taro XX), in association with the answer information. As a result, the platform provider device 1 can store information that serves as evidence that the agreement was reached through a fair negotiation process in compliance with the Subcontracting Act. On the other hand, if the platform provider device 1 detects that a button indicating that the reduction in the amount is not accepted has been selected, it will not consider the offer in question as the final and latest agreement. In this case, the platform provider device 1 will display a GUI or the like for the person in charge to specify their desired transaction conditions.

[0080] (5) Processing flow Figure 9 is an example flowchart showing the steps of the process performed by the platform provider device 1. For example, when a request for generating an offer to modify the default agreement is received from either negotiating party A or negotiating party B's terminal device 2, the platform provider device 1 executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0081] First, the platform provider 1 performs processes related to the generation, updating, and acceptance of offers, and generates and stores the display information (including screenshots of the negotiation chat screen, etc.) generated by these processes as negotiation process information (step S11). In this case, the platform provider 1 performs processes related to the offer generation / update unit 30A, offer transmission unit 31A, offer acceptance determination unit 33A, offer generation / update unit 30B, offer transmission unit 31B, offer acceptance determination unit 33B, and negotiation process information generation unit 36 ​​shown in Figure 4.

[0082] Next, the platform provider 1 determines whether there was an intention to agree between the negotiating parties (step S12). In this case, the platform provider 1 determines whether there was an input indicating that the other negotiating party agreed to the offer generated by the other negotiating party (for example, selection of the agreement button 46 on the negotiation chat screen). If the platform provider 1 determines that there was an intention to agree (step S12; Yes), it determines whether a final confirmation regarding whether there will be an increase or decrease in the amount is necessary (step S13). For example, if the platform provider 1 determines that the negotiating parties are a subcontractor and a principal contractor under the Subcontracting Act, and that the offer for which there was an intention to agree in step S12 is an offer regarding conditions that do not involve an increase or decrease in the amount, it determines that a final confirmation regarding whether there will be an increase or decrease in the amount is necessary. If the platform provider 1 determines that a final confirmation regarding whether there will be an increase or decrease in the amount is not necessary (step S13; No), it proceeds to step S16.

[0083] On the other hand, if the platform provider 1 determines that a final confirmation regarding whether or not the amount has increased or decreased is necessary (step S13; Yes), it generates a question for final confirmation regarding whether or not the amount has increased or decreased and an answer to that question, and generates and stores negotiation process information related to the question and answer (step S14). In this case, the platform provider 1 executes processing related to the question unit 35, generating question information and obtaining answer information. The platform provider 1 may ask the above question only to negotiating entity B, which is a subcontractor, or it may ask it to both negotiating entity A and negotiating entity B.

[0084] The platform provider 1 then determines whether or not there was a response indicating no increase or decrease in the amount (step S15). If there was a response indicating no increase or decrease in the amount (step S15; Yes), the platform provider 1 determines that the negotiating party has given final acceptance to the offer in question and considers the offer in question to be the latest agreement obtained as a result of negotiations. The platform provider 1 then displays the negotiation process (step S16). In this case, the platform provider 1 displays information representing the negotiation process (including the final agreement) based on the negotiation process information generated in steps S11 and S14, etc. On the other hand, if there was no response indicating no increase or decrease in the amount (step S15; No), the platform provider 1 determines that further negotiation is necessary regarding the amount of the transaction, returns to step S11, and continues the process of generating, updating, and accepting the offer.

[0085] (6) Variation Next, we will describe some modifications applicable to the embodiments described above. The following modifications may be applied in any combination.

[0086] (Variation 1) Negotiating entity B may use automated negotiations with negotiation AI instead of conducting negotiations manually.

[0087] In this case, instead of the offer generation / update unit 30B and offer acceptance determination unit 33B shown in Figure 4 performing offer acceptance determination and offer generation / update based on input information received from the terminal device 2B, the offer acceptance determination and offer generation / update are performed by the negotiation AI. In this case, the processing performed by the offer acceptance determination unit 33B is the same as the processing performed by the offer acceptance determination unit 33A as described using Figure 4. In addition, the offer generation / update unit 30B performs the offer generation and update that is performed by the offer generation / update unit 30A as described using Figure 4.

[0088] Similarly, negotiating entity A may conduct manual negotiations instead of AI negotiations. In this case, the offer generation / update unit 30A and the offer acceptance determination unit 33A shown in Figure 4 perform offer acceptance determination and offer generation / update based on input information received from terminal device 2B, instead of using the negotiation AI to determine offer acceptance and generate / update offers. In this case, the processing performed by the offer acceptance determination unit 33A is the same as the processing performed by the offer acceptance determination unit 33B described using Figure 4.

[0089] In these cases as well, the platform provider 1 can promote negotiations for fair trade and generate evidence demonstrating compliance with the Subcontracting Act by generating negotiation process information, etc.

[0090] (Modification 2) When Negotiating Party A, the parent company, conducts negotiations using a manual, and makes an offer to Negotiating Party B, the subcontractor, that involves a reduction in the transaction price, the platform provider 1 may require Negotiating Party A to specify the reasons attributable to the subcontractor.

[0091] Figure 10 shows the fourth display example of the negotiation chat screen. In the fourth display example, negotiating entity A, the parent company, is conducting negotiations manually and has generated an offer that involves a reduction in the transaction price (in this case, a partial reduction in the product price). Therefore, the platform provider 1 displays a pop-up window 60 for specifying the reason for the reduction. The platform provider 1 provides an offer table 61, a reason selection field 62, a confirmation button 63, and a modification button 64 on the reason specification window 60.

[0092] Platform provider device 1 displays an offer table 61 showing the offer specified by negotiating entity A via user input, in which the unit price of the 7,500 units of goods to be delivered in installments is reduced by 200 yen.

[0093] Furthermore, the platform provider device 1 determines that negotiating parties A and B fall under the categories of parent company and subcontractor as defined in the Subcontracting Act, and provides a pull-down menu-style reason selection field 62 that allows negotiating party A to select from candidates for reasons for price reduction that are generally accepted as reasons for price reduction by a parent company. This allows the platform provider device 1 to appropriately enable negotiating party A to select only reasons for price reduction that are generally accepted as reasons for price reduction by a parent company, thereby promoting compliance with the Subcontracting Act. When the confirmation button 63 labeled "Confirm Reason for Price Reduction" is selected, the platform provider device 1 recognizes the reason selected in the reason selection field 62 as the reason for price reduction. The platform provider device 1 then stores negotiation process information, including question information corresponding to the content displayed in the reason specification window 60 and answer information indicating the selected reason for price reduction, in the negotiation information storage unit 121. In this case, the platform provider device 1 may include and store in the negotiation process information the answer information associated with attribute information such as the name, contact information, and affiliation of the person in charge of negotiating party A who specified the reason for price reduction in the reason specification window 60. On the other hand, if the platform provider 1 detects that the modification button 64 labeled "Modify Negotiation Terms" has been selected, it displays a GUI for modifying the offer.

[0094] (Modification 2) The negotiation AI may be executed by terminal device 2A instead of platform provider device 1.

[0095] In this case, terminal device 2A stores the model information stored in the model information storage unit 122 in memory 22, and the processor 21 of terminal device 2A executes the negotiation AI by referring to the model information. In this modified example as well, automated negotiation by negotiating party A can be suitably realized.

[0096] (Variation 3) The functions of the platform provider 1 may be incorporated into the terminal device 2.

[0097] Figure 11 shows the configuration of negotiation system 100A. Negotiation system 100A has a terminal device 2A that can be used by negotiating party A and a terminal device 2B that can be used by negotiating party B. Terminal devices 2A and 2B communicate data via network 3. At least one of terminal devices 2A and 2B then executes the processing performed by the platform provider device 1 shown in Figure 1, thereby realizing the negotiation platform.

[0098] As shown in Figure 11, even in an embodiment where data communication takes place between terminal devices 2 used for negotiations, the terminal devices 2 can exchange information necessary for negotiations and suitably perform processing related to the notification and acceptance of offers.

[0099] <Second Embodiment> Figure 12 is a functional block diagram of the negotiation support device 1X. The negotiation support device 1X mainly comprises a question generation means 35Xa, an answer acquisition means 35Xb, and a negotiation process information generation means 36X. The negotiation support device 1X may be composed of multiple devices. The negotiation support device 1X can be, for example, the platform providing device 1 in Figure 1, or either terminal device 2A or terminal device 2B that executes the negotiation AI of negotiating entity A in Figure 11.

[0100] The question generation means 35Xa generates questions regarding increases or decreases in transaction amounts during the negotiation process between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party. The answer acquisition means 35Xb acquires answers to the questions. The question generation means 35Xa and the answer acquisition means 35Xb can be the question unit 35 in the first embodiment (including modified examples, the same applies hereinafter).

[0101] The negotiation process information generation means 36X generates negotiation process information related to the negotiation process based on the response. The negotiation process information generation means 36X can be the negotiation process information generation unit 36 ​​in the first embodiment.

[0102] Figure 12 is an example of a flowchart executed by the negotiation support device 1X. The question generation means 35Xa generates questions regarding increases or decreases in the transaction amount during the negotiation process between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party (step S21). The answer acquisition means 35Xb acquires answers to the questions (step S22). The negotiation process information generation means 36X generates negotiation process information regarding the negotiation process based on the answers (step S23).

[0103] The negotiation support device 1X according to the second embodiment can confirm the increase or decrease in the transaction amount and suitably generate information that serves as evidence that the confirmation of the increase or decrease in the transaction amount has been made.

[0104] Furthermore, some or all of the above embodiments (including modified versions, hereinafter the same) may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following. Also, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 8, which are dependent on Appendice 1 above, may also be dependent on Appendices 9 and 10 in the same way as Appendices 2 to 8. Moreover, not limited to the devices, methods, and storage media described in the appendices, some or all of the configurations described in the appendices may also be dependent on methods, various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software (including storage media), or systems, without departing from the above embodiments.

[0105] [Note 1] In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, a question generation means generates questions concerning an increase or decrease in the amount of the transaction, A means for obtaining answers to the aforementioned questions, A negotiation process information generation means that generates negotiation process information relating to the negotiation process based on the above response, A negotiation support device having the following features. [Note 2] The first negotiating party and the second negotiating party are in a relationship of parent company and subcontractor, The negotiation support device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the question generating means generates the question to confirm with the second negotiating party whether or not the amount of the transaction will increase or decrease as a result of the change to the transaction based on the proposed agreement, when the second negotiating party indicates its intention to agree to the proposed agreement regarding the transaction. [Note 3] The negotiation support device according to Appendix 1, wherein the question generation means generates the question to the first negotiating party or the second negotiating party regarding the reason for the increase or decrease in the amount of the transaction when the first negotiating party or the second negotiating party proposes the first negotiating party regarding the transaction. [Note 4] The first negotiating party and the second negotiating party are in a relationship of parent company and subcontractor, The negotiation support device described in Appendix 3, wherein the question generation means generates the question to the first negotiating party regarding the reasons for the reduction when the first negotiating party proposes a proposed agreement involving a reduction in the transaction. [Note 5] The negotiation support device described in Appendix 4, wherein the question generating means generates the question requiring the subcontractor to select a reason for the reduction from a list of candidates for reasons attributable to the subcontractor. [Note 6] The question generating means presents to the second negotiating party a proposed agreement with the specified reason for the reduction, along with the reason for the reduction. The negotiation support device according to Appendix 4 or 5, wherein when the response acquisition means obtains a response from the second negotiating party indicating that it accepts the proposed agreement, the negotiation process information generation means generates the negotiation process information including the response. [Note 7] The negotiation support device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the question generation means determines whether the first negotiating entity and the second negotiating entity are in a relationship as a principal contractor and a subcontractor under the Act on Prevention of Delay in Payment of Subcontracting Fees, etc., and generates the question if it is determined that the first negotiating entity and the second negotiating entity are in the aforementioned relationship. [Note 8] The system further includes a display control means for displaying a dialogue screen that shows the history of communications in the negotiation between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party in a dialogue format. The negotiation support device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein the negotiation process information generation means includes information representing the dialogue screen in the negotiation process information. [Note 9] The negotiation support device according to Appendix 8, wherein the display control means displays the dialogue screen which associates the transmission with attribute information of the person in charge of the first negotiating entity or the second negotiating entity that is the source of the transmission. [Note 10] The negotiation support device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein the negotiation process information generation means includes information relating to at least one of the payment terms or payment deadline of the transaction in the negotiation process information. [Note 11] Computers In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, questions are generated regarding increases or decreases in the amount of the transaction. Obtain the answers to the above questions, Based on the above response, negotiation process information regarding the negotiation process is generated. Methods of supporting negotiations. [Note 12] In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, questions are generated regarding increases or decreases in the amount of the transaction. Obtain the answers to the above questions, A program that causes a computer to perform a process to generate negotiation process information regarding the negotiation process based on the above response. [Note 13] A storage medium containing the program described in Appendix 12.

[0106] In each of the embodiments described above, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium and supplied to a computer, such as a processor. Non-transitory computer-readable mediums include various types of tangible storage mediums. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable mediums include magnetic storage mediums (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage mediums (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transient computer-readable mediums. Examples of transient computer-readable mediums include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable mediums can supply the program to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made as understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention includes the full disclosure, including the claims, and of course, various modifications and alterations that those skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical idea. Furthermore, the above-mentioned patent and non-patent disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Platform provision device 1X Negotiation Support Device 2 (2A, 2B) Terminal devices 3 Network 4 Storage device 100, 100A Negotiation System

Claims

1. In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, a question generation means generates questions concerning an increase or decrease in the amount of the transaction, A means for obtaining answers to the aforementioned questions, A negotiation process information generation means that generates negotiation process information relating to the negotiation process based on the above response, A negotiation support device having the following features.

2. The first negotiating party and the second negotiating party are in a relationship of parent company and subcontractor, The negotiation support device according to claim 1, wherein the question generating means generates a question to confirm with the second negotiating party whether or not the amount of the transaction will increase or decrease as a result of the change to the transaction based on the proposed agreement, when the second negotiating party indicates its intention to agree to the proposed agreement regarding the transaction.

3. The negotiation support device according to claim 1, wherein the question generation means generates the question to the first negotiating party or the second negotiating party regarding the reason for the increase or decrease in the amount of the transaction when the first negotiating party or the second negotiating party proposes the first negotiating party regarding the transaction.

4. The first negotiating party and the second negotiating party are in a relationship of parent company and subcontractor, The negotiation support device according to claim 3, wherein the question generation means generates the question to the first negotiating party regarding the reason for the reduction when the first negotiating party proposes a proposed agreement involving a reduction in the transaction.

5. The negotiation support device according to claim 4, wherein the question generating means generates a question that requires the subcontractor to select a reason for the reduction from a list of candidates for reasons attributable to the subcontractor.

6. The question generating means presents to the second negotiating party a proposed agreement with the specified reason for the reduction, along with the reason for the reduction. The negotiation support device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the response acquisition means obtains a response from the second negotiating party indicating that it accepts the proposed agreement, the negotiation process information generation means generates the negotiation process information including the response.

7. The negotiation support device according to claim 1, wherein the question generation means determines whether the first negotiating entity and the second negotiating entity are in a relationship as a principal contractor and a subcontractor under the Act on Prevention of Delay in Payment of Subcontracting Fees, etc., and generates the question if it is determined that the first negotiating entity and the second negotiating entity are in the aforementioned relationship.

8. The system further includes a display control means for displaying a dialogue screen that shows, in a dialogue format, the history of communications during the negotiation between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party. The negotiation support device according to claim 1, wherein the negotiation process information generation means includes information representing the dialogue screen in the negotiation process information.

9. Computers In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, questions are generated regarding increases or decreases in the amount of the transaction. Obtain the answers to the above questions, Based on the above response, negotiation process information regarding the negotiation process is generated. Methods of supporting negotiations.

10. In the process of negotiations concerning a transaction between the first negotiating party and the second negotiating party, questions are generated regarding increases or decreases in the amount of the transaction. Obtain the answers to the above questions, A program that causes a computer to perform a process to generate negotiation process information regarding the negotiation process based on the above response.

Images